The latest spy photos of Jaguar’s upcoming all-electric SUV, dubbed I-PACE, indicate a few certainties about the finished product that will debut in the second half of 2018.
The British brand has already shown a concept version of the at the 2016 Los Angeles motor show. But it is abundantly clear from these spy photos that the wheelbase will be notably longer than its conventionally powered F-PACE sibling -- on which this test mule is based -- but not necessarily the body.
The rear wheel-arches have been shifted south by what looks to be at least 50mm to accommodate the set-back wheels. The overhang looks to be considerably reduced, adding credibility to suggestions that boot space will be less (Automedia suggests 120 litres less) than that of an F-PACE. This could be compensated by the extra space to be found beneath the engine-free bonnet.
Although we have some doubts, some observers are also saying the I-PACE test mule shows evidence of having wider tracks and a lower roofline.
Judging by the concept, the finished product will be marginally smaller than the F-PACE – by about 50mm in length, 90mm in height and 40mm in width. We can’t quite see the wheelbase being as much as 115mm longer, as claimed by Automedia, even if Jaguar is saying it will have more rear legroom than a BMW 7 Series.
Word is that the I-PACE’s bete noir will be weight: With expectations it will tip the scales at around 2.1 tonnes it’s likely to be slightly porky, although that will not be reflected in the perfoamnce figures (zero to 100km/h in about four seconds).
And the low centre of gravity (lower than F-PACE) should ensure handling is in keeping with Jaguar’s normally high-set benchmark.
The I-PACE will be powered by two compact electric motors jointly developing 295kW and 700Nm, and fed by a 90kW/h lithium-ion battery pack sitting low in the new, all-aluminium platform.
Its maximum range should be around 500km and a full top-up at a 50kW DC charging point will take approximately two hours. A quicker 80 per cent charge should be accomplished in 90 minutes.
Given the much-shorter charging times achieved by Tesla’s Model S and the US company’s soon-to-arrive Model X SUV, these would need to be better in real-world use.
Jaguar’s first-ever EV will come with high hopes: The company believes it has significant sales potential around the world and will provide a handy leg-in for the company as world attention moves remorselessly towards EVs.